Sunday Evening, October 21, Korea, Astonishing Joy

We've all heard about large Korean churches.  The experience is hard to describe, but I'll offer a few glimpses.

We arrived at Myung Sung Church, the largest Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK) church, for the 11:20 a.m. service this morning.  We were met at the door and ushered in to speak with Kim Sang-Hak of the Department of Planning.  A jovial and welcoming man, he has many friends in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), so we had a friendly chat over coffee before the service.  Shortly before the service was to begin, we were accompanied up a back staircase and into the sanctuary.  Entering the sanctuary took my breath away.  It was already full with what looked like at least 2,000 people on the main floor and balcony, including a choir of 600 and orchestra.  These are just the choir and orchestra for the 11:20 service; there are other choirs for other Sunday morning services.  Thoughtfully, they provided headsets with English interpretation as we sat in the front row.

Myung Sung Church began 27 years ago with 15 members and Pastor Rev. Dr. Kim Samhwan; it now has 80,000, including children and youth, 200 pastors, 2,000 deacons, 50 elders (with 15 soon to be added), six services plus two prayer services on Sunday, several prayer services on weekday mornings, 1,000 start-up churches, and worship attendance of about 50,000 per Sunday.  (Because I attempted to take note of these numbers quickly, they may not be exact; the 80,000 membership number, however, was oft repeated.)  Besides the sanctuary, worshipers filled several other large rooms in the building and in the education center across the street, watching on television screens.

Reverend Kim is compelling and animated.  He preached that Christianity is a religion of transformation and change; that early missionaries changed this country.  He said:  Pray, because God is listening and comforting.  Pray, not only in times of trouble, but especially when we are healthy and prosperous and doing well, for those are times of temptation.  And love.  Love, for humans are made to love as God loves us.  To which the people said - time and time again during the sermon - loud "Amens."

I was invited to bring greetings.  Standing in front of that enormous, attentive congregation was an astonishing joy.  Insik Kim translated and were met with a wonderful and appreciative welcome then and after the service.  There is a deep sense of connection to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) - I just wish I could convey it sufficiently with this modest palette of words.

This is the season of Thanksgiving in Korea.  Next week, the church will provide a meal for the congregation and the neighborhood, so all are encouraged to come...but please take public transportation!  The meal will include at least fifteen full cows - now that would be a feast to behold.

Reverend Kim has been elected Vice Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK), the largest Presbyterian denomination in the country, and will be Moderator next year.  "To what do you attribute the growth of your congregation, in addition to the working of the Holy Spirit," I asked.  He responded by saying leadership, service, and hard work, that they learned from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.); grace, service, and education, and they continue to carry those out.  And that they emphasize leadership development, including scholarships, 20 of which are for PhDs.  The importance of leadership comes up in nearly every conversation we have had with churches in China, Thailand, and Korea.

Reverend Kim shared priorities for the PCK in world mission, which are to provide for missionaries; education for their children; health care; continuing education; and care for elderly and retired missionaries.  He suggested that these are subjects in which they want to engage in discussion with the PC(USA).  They express such gratitude for their missionary roots and a desire to keep learning from us.  Now with millions of members, hospitals, colleges and universities, and 1,000 missionaries around the world, they have much to share with us.

And I look forward to sharing more of this amazing journey with you in my next entry.